Anti-acne activity of carnitine salicylate and magnolol through the regulation of exfoliation, lipogenesis, bacterial growth and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Salicylic acid has been used as an anti-acne agent with its comedolytic property and antimicrobial activity. However, there is a limit to use for leave-on cosmetics because of the transient skin irritation and low efficacy at neutral pH condition. We prepared a salicylic acid-based ionic pair with L -carnitine (we named, IP-BHA) overcoming the limitation of salicylic acid. We examined the effect of IP-BHA as well as the combination effect with magnolol, a bioactive organic lignan, in order to clarify their efficacy as anti-acne agents. METHODS: After verifying the structure of IP-BHA, we confirmed anti-acne activities including the regulation of exfoliation, lipogenesis, bacterial growth, and inflammation with IP-BHA and/or magnolol. RESULTS: The antibacterial activity of IP-BHA and magnolol was evaluated by determining the minimum antibacterial inhibitory concentration. Magnolol showed strong activity against Cutibacterium acnes, which was better than a medical antibiotic acne drug, clindamycin. The combined application with IP-BHA was more effective in antibacterial activity by 2.5 times. It was confirmed that testosterone-induced lipogenesis was significantly inhibited by treatment with IP-BHA and magnolol, while single treatment had no significant inhibitory effect. Interestingly, MMP-1 and VEGF were induced by C. acnes lysate in human keratinocytes. We found that these inflammatory molecules were completely inhibited by combined application of IP-BHA and magnolol. Through ex vivo test, the dose-dependent exfoliation effect of IP-BHA was confirmed at pH 5.5, and the synergic exfoliation effect was shown in the combined application of IP-BHA and magnolol. When topically applied, the emulsion containing IP-BHA and magnolol relieved the sodium dodecyl sulfate-induced erythema and improved inflamed acne with papule and pustule. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that the ionic paired salicylic acid with L -carnitine can overcome the limitations of salicylic acid at low concentration and natural skin pH. Based on the dual administration effects, we suggest that IP-BHA and magnolol may be the potential agent for acne by improving inflammatory skin condition.

Knowledge extraction of sonophotocatalytic treatment for acid blue 113 dye removal by artificial neural networks.

Removing decolorizing acid blue 113 (AB113) dye from textile wastewater is challenging due to its high stability and resistance to removal. In this study, we used an artificial neural network (ANN) model to estimate the effect of five different variables on AB113 dye removal in the sonophotocatalytic process. The five variables considered were reaction time (5-25 min), pH (3-11), ZnO dosage (0.2-1.0 g/L), ultrasonic power (100-300 W/L), and persulphate dosage (0.2-3 mmol/L). The most effective model had a 5-7-1 architecture, with an average deviation of 0.44 and R2 of 0.99. A sensitivity analysis was used to analyze the impact of different process variables on removal efficiency and to identify the most effective variable settings for maximum dye removal. Then, an imaginary sonophotocatalytic system was created to measure the quantitative impact of other process parameters on AB113 dye removal. The optimum process parameters for maximum AB 113 removal were identified as 6.2 pH, 25 min reaction time, 300 W/L ultrasonic power, 1.0 g/L ZnO dosage, and 2.54 mmol/L persulfate dosage. The model created was able to identify trends in dye removal and can contribute to future experiments.

Prediction of batch sorption of barium and strontium from saline water.

Celestite and barite formation results in contamination of barium and strontium ions hinder oilfield water purification. Conversion of bio-waste sorbent products deals with a viable, sustainable and clean remediation approach for removing contaminants. Biochar sorbent produced from rice straw was used to remove barium and strontium ions of saline water from petroleum industries. The removal efficiency depends on biochar amount, pH, contact time, temperature, and Ba/Sr concentration ratio. The interactions and effects of these parameters with removal efficiency are multifaceted and nonlinear. We used an artificial neural network (ANN) model to explore the correlation between process variables and sorption responses. The ANN model is more accurate than that of existing kinetic and isotherm equations in assessing barium and strontium removal with adj. R2 values of 0.994 and 0.991, respectively. We developed a standalone user interface to estimate the barium and strontium removal as a function of sorption process parameters. Sensitivity analysis and quantitative estimation were carried out to study individual process variables' impact on removal efficiency.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Amorphous Carbon Coated Sn Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries and Sodium Ion Batteries.

Sn is one of the promising anode material for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries because of Sn has many advantages such as a high theoretical capacity of 994 mAh/g, inexpensive, abundant and nontoxic. However, Sn-based anodes have a critical problem from pulverization of the particles due to large volume change (>300% in lithium-ion battery and 420% in the sodium-ion battery) during alloying/dealloying reaction. To overcome this problem, we fabricate Sn/C particle of core/shell structure. Sn powder was produced by pulsed wire explosion in liquid media, and amorphous carbon coating process was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The charge capacity of Sn electrode and amorphous carbon coated Sn electrode was 413 mAh/g and 452 mAh/g after 40 cycles in lithium half-cell test. The charge capacity of Sn electrode and amorphous carbon coated Sn electrode was 240 mAh/g and 487 mAh/g after 40 cycles in sodium half-cell test. Amorphous carbon coating contributed to the improvement of capacity in lithium and sodium battery systems. And the effect of amorphous carbon coating in sodium battery system was superior to that in lithium battery system.

Microstructural Evolution and Electrochemical Properties of HRDSR AZ61-X (X = Ca, Ti) Alloys.

The microstructure and corrosion properties of as-cast AZ61 (Mg-6%Al-1%Zn) and AZ61 alloys doped with titanium and calcium and subjected to high ratio differential speed rolling were investigated. Addition of the alloying elements to the AZ61 alloy resulted in remarkable modification of the morphology and the amount of continuous ß (Mg17Al12)-phase. Addition of Ti to the as-cast AZ61 alloy causes a decrease in the volume fraction (or discontinuity of the ß-phase), leading to strong anodic dissolution. In contrast, addition of Ca to the as-cast AZ61 alloy is rather effective for preventing pitting corrosion. This is attributed to the formation of a semi-continuous network ß-structure. The (Mg, Al)4Ca phases dispersed between the ß (Mg17Al12)-phases led to continuity in the AZ61 alloy with Ca. The AZ61 and AZ61-X(Ca, Ti) alloys subjected to severe plastic deformation via high-ratio differential speed rolling possessed a nano-composite-like microstructure in which the α-Mg matrix with an ultra-fine grain was surrounded by a large number of fine ß particles. These particles were either dynamically precipitated or broken at the grain boundaries, as well as in the grain interiors, by the high ratio differential speed rolling process. The corrosion resistance of the AZ61 and AZ61-X (X = Ca, Ti) alloys subjected to high ratio differential speed rolling was largely improved by the microstructural modification. The high ratio differential speed rolling process greatly influenced the texture of the Mg alloys, which significantly affected their corrosion behavior.

Electrochemical Behavior of Sn/Cu6Sn5/C Composite Prepared by Using Pulsed Wire Explosion in Liquid Medium for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Tin-based materials, due to their high theoretical capacity of 994 mAh g-1 are potential candidates which can substitute the commercialized graphite anodes (372 mAh g-1). However, practical usage of pure tin in Li-ion cells has been hampered by the tremendous volume expansion of more than 260% during the lithium insertion/extraction process, resulting in particle pulverization and electrical disconnection from the current collector. In order to overcome this shortcoming, Sn/Cu6Sn5/C composites in this work were prepared by using pulsed wire explosion in a liquid medium and subsequently in situ polymerization. For comparison, Sn/C composite without tin-copper chemical compounds are also fabricated under a similar process. The Sn/Cu6Sn5/C and Sn/C composites were used as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The Sn/Cu6Sn5/C composite anode showed good cyclability (scalability) and was maintained up to a capacity of 430 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 1 C-rate. The rate capability of the Sn/Cu6Sn5/C composite anode also showed higher performance (280 mAh g-1) than that (200 mAh g-1) of Sn/C composite at the 5 C-rate.

Carbon-Coated Ordered Mesoporous SnO2 Composite Based Anode Material for High Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Recently, tin oxide (SnO2) has received significant attention for use as an anode material for next generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high theoretical capacity (782 mAh g-1), which is more than twice of that of the commercialized graphite (372 mAh g-1). Several additional advantages, such as low cost, environmental friendliness, easy fabrication and natural abundance improve its promise. Although the theoretical capacity of SnO2 is high, volume expansion during cycling causes issue with cycling stability. In this study, an ordered mesoporous SnO2 was synthesized using a hard template (SBA-15), such that its mesoporous structure can buffer SnO2 particles from cracks caused by volume expansion. It can also allow effective electrolyte infiltration to ensure better reactivity of the active material with Li+ ions. The capacity of synthesized mesoporous SnO2 improved to 218.4 mAh g-1 compared regular SnO2 nanoparticles (69.6 mAh g-1) after 50 cycles at a rate of 0.1 C. Furthermore, carbon-coated mesoporous SnO2 enhanced capacity retention upon cycling (844.6 mAh g-1 after 50 cycles at 0.1 C) by insulating and preventing the cracking of the active material during lithiation and delithiation.

Electrochemical Properties of Micron-Sized SnO Anode Using a Glyme-Based Electrolyte for Sodium-Ion Battery.

Tin monoxide (SnO) anodes are promising candidates for use in sodium-ion batteries because of their high theoretical capacities and stable cycle performance. In previous reports, electrodes with excellent performance have been prepared by using nano-sized SnO particles. However, the synthesis of nano-sized SnO particles is complex, time-consuming, and expensive. In this paper, an anode of micron-sized SnO is prepared by using commercial micron-sized SnO particles. The electrode exhibits a reversible capacity of 450 mAh g-1 in the 1st cycle at a current rate of 100 mA g-1. We used a tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME)-based electrolyte, which is well known for its superior electrochemical performance in sodium-ion batteries. The mechanism of operation of the anode containing micron-sized SnO particles has been confirmed by a detailed study using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). During initial discharge, the SnO changed to Sn and sodium oxide, and the surface of the electrode became covered with a film. The electrode composed of micron-sized SnO is a potential candidate for use in sodium-ion batteries.

New Optimal Needle Entry Angle for Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: A cervical epidural steroid injection is one of the most commonly performed interventions to manage chronic neck pain and cervical radiculopathy. Despite its many severe complications, cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (CTFESI) is a clinically necessary modality for managing neck pain and cervical radiculopathy. We aimed in this study to find a safer optimal needle entry angle to decrease the chance of an accidental vertebral artery (VA) puncture even with a proper needle entry angle and to visualize the target of the needle tip. Methods: This retrospective study included 312 patients with neck pain or cervical radiculopathy who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging scans for diagnosis and treatment. The first line was drawn from the midpoint of the two articular pillars and passed through the exact midline of the spinous process. The second line was drawn parallel to the ventral lamina line (conventional transforaminal approach line, CTAL). The third line was drawn parallel to the ventral margin at the midpoint of the superior articular process's ventral border (new transforaminal approach line, NTAL). The angle of intersection between the midline and CTAL versus with NTAL were measured from both sides (right and left) at C5-6, C6-7, and C7-T1 levels. Also, the distance of CTAL and NTAL from VA were measured from both sides at each level. We examined whether the CTAL and NTAL would penetrate the ipsilateral VA, internal carotid artery (ICA), and internal jugular vein (IJV). Results: There were significant differences between CTAL and NTAL angles at all levels (P < 0.001). There were significant differences between the distance of CTAL and NTAL from VA at all levels (P < 0.001). There were also significant differences between the observed frequency of CTAL and NTAL that would penetrate the major ipsilateral vessel (VA, ICA, and IJV) on all levels and sides (P < 0.001~0.030). Conclusion: The angle of NTAL (approximately 70°) is safer than the angle of CTAL (approximately 50°) when considering vascular injuries to vessels, such as the VA, ICA, and IJV.

Enhanced In Vivo Tumor Detection by Active Tumor Cell Targeting Using Multiple Tumor Receptor-Binding Peptides Presented on Genetically Engineered Human Ferritin Nanoparticles.

Human ferritin heavy-chain nanoparticle (hFTH) is genetically engineered to present tumor receptor-binding peptides (affibody and/or RGD-derived cyclic peptides, named 4CRGD here) on its surface. The affibody and 4CRGD specifically and strongly binds to human epidermal growth factor receptor I (EGFR) and human integrin αvß3, respectively, which are overexpressed on various tumor cells. Through in vitro culture of EGFR-overexpressing adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-468) and integrin-overexpressing glioblastoma cells (U87MG), it is clarified that specific interactions between receptors on tumor cells and receptor-binding peptides on engineered hFTH is critical in active tumor cell targeting. After labeling with the near-infrared fluorescence dye (Cy5.5) and intravenouse injection into MDA-MB-468 or U87MG tumor-bearing mice, the recombinant hFTHs presenting either peptide or both of affibody and 4CRGD are successfully delivered to and retained in the tumor for a prolonged period of time. In particular, the recombinant hFTH presenting both affibody and 4CRGD notably enhances in vivo detection of U87MG tumors that express heterogeneous receptors, integrin and EGFR, compared to the other recombinant hFTHs presenting either affibody or 4CRGD only. Like affibody and 4CRGD used in this study, other multiple tumor receptor-binding peptides can be also genetically introduced to the hFTH surface for actively targeting of in vivo tumors with heterogenous receptors.

High performance enzyme fuel cells using a genetically expressed FAD-dependent glucose dehydrogenase α-subunit of Burkholderia cepacia immobilized in a carbon nanotube electrode for low glucose conditions.

FAD-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FAD-GDH) of Burkholderia cepacia was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and subsequently purified in order to use it as an anode catalyst for enzyme fuel cells. The purified enzyme has a low Km value (high affinity) towards glucose, which is 463.8 µM, up to 2-fold exponential range lower compared to glucose oxidase. The heterogeneous electron transfer coefficient (Ks) of FAD-GDH-menadione on a glassy carbon electrode was 10.73 s(-1), which is 3-fold higher than that of GOX-menadione, 3.68 s(-1). FAD-GDH was able to maintain its native glucose affinity during immobilization in the carbon nanotube and operation of enzyme fuel cells. FAD-GDH-menadione showed 3-fold higher power density, 799.4 ± 51.44 µW cm(-2), than the GOX-menadione system, 308.03 ± 17.93 µW cm(-2), under low glucose concentration, 5 mM, which is the concentration in normal physiological fluid.

Electrical and mechanical properties as a processing condition in polyvinylchloride multi walled carbon nanotube composites.

We investigated the electrical conductivity (sigma) and mechanical property of polyvinylchloride/carbon nanotube composites as a function of the CNT content and processing time during a solid-state process of high speed vibration mixing (HSVM) and high energy ball milling (HEBM). Both processes were suggested to avoid high temperatures, solvents, chemical modification of carbon nanotubes. In this study, the percolation threshold (phi(c)) for electrical conduction is about 1 wt% CNT with a sigma value of 0.21 S/m, and the electrical conductivity is higher value than that reported by other researchers from melt mixing process or obtained from the other solid-state processes. We found that the dispersion of CNTs and morphology change from CNT breaking are closely related to sigma. Especially, a large morphology change in the CNTs was occurred at the specific processing time, and a significant decrease in the electrical conductivity of polyvinylchloride/carbon nanotube composite occurred in this condition. A meaningful increase of electrical properties and mechanical property is observed in the sample with about 1-2 wt% CNT contents sintered at 200 degrees C after the milling for 20 min by HEBM process. Our study indicates the proper process condition required to improve sigma of PVC/CNT composites.

Effect of precursor supply on structural and morphological characteristics of fe nanomaterials synthesized via chemical vapor condensation method.

Various physical, chemical and mechanical methods, such as inert gas condensation, chemical vapor condensation, sol-gel, pulsed wire evaporation, evaporation technique, and mechanical alloying, have been used to synthesize nanoparticles. Among them, chemical vapor condensation (CVC) has the benefit of its applicability to almost all materials because a wide range of precursors are available for large-scale production with a non-agglomerated state. In this work, Fe nanoparticles and nanowires were synthesized by chemical vapor condensation method using iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)5) as the precursor. The effect of processing parameters on the microstructure, size and morphology of Fe nanoparticles and nanowires were studied. In particular, we investigated close correlation of size and morphology of Fe nanoparticles and nanowires with atomic quantity of inflow precursor into the electric furnace as the quantitative analysis. The atomic quantity was calculated by Boyle's ideal gas law. The Fe nanoparticles and nanowires with various diameter and morphology have successfully been synthesized by the chemical vapor condensation method.

Effects of arginine glutamate (RE:pair) on wound healing and skin elasticity improvement after CO2 laser irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Glutamic acid is known to be effective for keratinocyte proliferation, but its dermatological application is limited due to its poor solubility in water and various solvents. AIM: Here, the efficacy of the arginine glutamate ion pair (named as RE:pair) for recovering damaged skin and improving skin elasticity was investigated through the analysis of keratinocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis. METHODS: Following the structural analysis of RE:pair using spectroscopic methods, a scratch assay, and Pro-Collagen I ELISA, skin tissue changes in wound-induced artificial skin, changes in wound area after laser wound induction, and the sensory evaluation of skin improvement were investigated. RESULTS: As a result of scratch assay, wound recovery of 94.55% ± 9.57% was confirmed at 10 ppm RE:pair treatment. When evaluation of expression efficacy of procollagen type I, it was found that the expression rate was increased by 32.47% ± 5.62% compared with the control group. Further, the upregulation of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and filaggrin expression in the damage-induced artificial skin was verified. Clinically, the improvement was subjectively verified in terms of the reduction of the wound area, the restoration of the barrier, the improvement of skin elasticity, and through the sensory experience of skin improvement. CONCLUSION: RE:pair shows a greater therapeutic effect than the individual effects of its constituent amino acids and those of the simple mixtures of these compounds. RE:pair exerts its therapeutic action by promoting the proliferation of keratinocytes and enhancing collagen synthesis in fibroblasts. Accordingly, it can be used throughout the cosmetic industry as an effective amino acid wound healing and skin elasticity improving material.

Influence of Mechanical Fatigue at Different States of Charge on Pouch-Type Li-Ion Batteries.

Since flexible devices are being used in various states of charge (SoCs), it is important to investigate SoCs that are durable against external mechanical deformations. In this study, the effects of a mechanical fatigue test under various initial SoCs of batteries were investigated. More specifically, ultrathin pouch-type Li-ion polymer batteries with different initial SoCs were subjected to repeated torsional stress and then galvanostatically cycled 200 times. The cycle performance of the cells after the mechanical test was compared to investigate the effect of the initial SoCs. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to analyze the interfacial resistance changes of the anode and cathode in the cycled cells. When the initial SoC was at 70% before mechanical deformation, both electrodes well maintained their initial state during the mechanical fatigue test and the cell capacity was well retained during the cycling test. This indicates that the cells could well endure mechanical fatigue stress when both electrodes had moderate lithiation states. With initial SoCs at 0% and 100%, the batteries subjected to the mechanical test exhibited relatively drastic capacity fading. This indicates that the cells are vulnerable to mechanical fatigue stress when both electrodes have high lithiation states. Furthermore, it is noted that the stress accumulated inside the batteries caused by mechanical fatigue can act as an accelerated degradation factor during cycling.

Synthesis of gallium oxide nanomaterials on source material supply and their growth behavior.

High purity and single crystalline beta-Ga2O3 nanomaterials with various morphologies were obtained through the simple thermal evaporation of metal gallium powder on a gold-coated silicon substrate in argon. In this report, the growth behavior of the beta-Ga2O3 nanomaterials as a function of synthesis time and source material supply was delicately surveyed via FESEM and HRTEM. The synthesis time and source material supply affected morphology, growth rate and growth mechanism of the grown nanomaterials. It was confirmed that the growth mechanism of the beta-Ga2O3 nanomaterials was varied in the order of VLS, combination of VLS and VS, and VS, by increasing the synthesis time without regard to the supply of the source material. When the source materials supply was increased, many beta-Ga2O3 nanomaterials with various morphologies, such as sheet, triangle, and belt-like were appeared. It was confirmed that the oxidation reaction of gallium and oxygen for the formation of gallium oxide nanomaterials carried out the precipitation of gallium at the same time due to the supersaturation of the gallium atoms in gold catalyst. The growth and formation mechanism of the beta-Ga2O3 nanomaterials are discussed herein.

Electrochemical characteristics with the addition of carbon nanotubes and the manufacturing process for sulfur cathode in the Li/S cell.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were purified using acid solution, and CNT-sulfur composite powder was prepared via precipitation, using the purified CNTs. In addition, the effect of the purified CNTs (PUCNTs) on the electrochemical performance of the Li/S cell was investigated. After the purification, almost all the impurities in the as-synthesized CNTs (ASCNTs) were removed, and the dispersibility of the CNTs was improved. On the other hand, the concentration of the structural defects and of the disordered structures in the PUCNTs was increased due to the surface oxidation of the tubes during acid treatment. In the case of the PUCNT-S composite powder, the outer wall of the tubes was well covered with sulfur, as opposed to the tubes in the ASCNT-S composite powder. The Li/S cell containing ASCNT-S composite cathode showed a large voltage decrease and a 680 mAh/g capacity during the first discharge process. The Li/S cell with PUCNT-S composite cathode, however, showed a higher discharge capacity and better cycle performance than the cell with ASCNT-S composite cathode. The electrochemical performance of the Li/S cell was improved for the PUCNT-S composite cathode using the CNTs purified by acid treatment.

Risk Indicators Affecting the Survival of the Mandibular First Molar Adjacent to an Implant at the Mandibular Second Molar Site: A Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to compare the survival of mandibular first molars (MnM1s) adjacent to implants placed in mandibular second molar sites (ImM2s) with MnM1s adjacent to mandibular second molars (MnM2s) and to investigate risk indicators affecting the survival of MnM1s adjacent to ImM2s. A total of 144 patients who had MnM1s adjacent to ImM2s and MnM1s adjacent to MnM2s on the contralateral side were included in this study. Clinical variables and radiographic bone levels were evaluated. The survival of MnM1s adjacent to ImM2s or MnM2s was evaluated using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards model. The 5-year cumulative survival rates of MnM1s adjacent to ImM2s and MnM2s were 85% and 95%, respectively. MnM1s adjacent to ImM2s of the internal implant-abutment connection type had higher multivariate hazard ratios (HR) for loss. MnM1s that had antagonists with implant-supported prostheses also had higher HR for loss. The multivariate HR for the loss of MnM1s adjacent to ImM2s with peri-implant mucositis was 3.74 times higher than MnM1s adjacent to healthy ImM2s. This study demonstrated several risk indicators affecting the survival of MnM1s adjacent to ImM2s. It is suggested that supportive periodontal and peri-implant therapy combined with meticulous occlusal adjustment can prolong the survival of MnM1s and ImM2s.

Reduction of enlarged facial pore using ion-paired amino acid through enhancement in skin permeation and exfoliation: A placebo-controlled in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: Serine is a hypoallergenic but inefficient chemical exfoliant. Serine paired with arginine (ion-paired amino acid, IPA) shows enhanced lipophilicity, skin permeation, and exfoliation efficacy. AIM: This study was conducted to determine whether exfoliation using an emulsion containing IPA could reduce enlarged facial pores and improve the dermis density. METHODS: IPA formation was validated by spectroscopic analysis. Enhanced permeability and exfoliation efficacy were evaluated ex vivo using porcine skin. In a clinical trial, healthy Korean women aged 20-49 years (mean age ± SD: 35.6 ± 8.6, n = 64) were evaluated, and the right and left sides of the cheeks were randomly chosen. An emulsion containing 4.0% IPA and placebo emulsion were applied to each side for 6 weeks. To evaluate pore sizes following treatment, the number of enlarged facial pores, inner skin structures from the stratum corneum to epidermal-dermal interface, and dermal density on each cheek of the participants were assessed. RESULTS: IPA showed a significantly increased partition coefficient in n-octanol-water. In porcine skin, permeation of serine after 12 hour was 70% higher for the IPA than for serine alone at the same percent weight concentrations. In the clinical trial, after 6 weeks, the number of enlarged facial pores was changed by -19.317% in the IPA emulsion group (P < .001) and -2.930% in placebo emulsion group (P = .254). CONCLUSION: Exfoliation with an IPA-containing emulsion reduced enlarged facial pores and increased the dermis density. IPA, effective mild exfoliator, can be used as a major ingredient for the cosmeceutical skincare products in the future.

Binder-free and high-loading sulfurized polyacrylonitrile cathode for lithium/sulfur batteries.

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is a promising active material for Li/S batteries owing to its high sulfur utilization and long-term cyclability. However, because SPAN electrodes are synthesized using powder, they require large amounts of electrolyte, conducting agents, and binder, which reduces the practical energy density. Herein, to improve the practical energy density, we fabricated bulk-type SPAN disk cathodes from pressed sulfur and polyacrylonitrile powders using a simple heating process. The SPAN disks could be used directly as cathode materials because their π-π structures provide molecular-level electrical connectivity. In addition, the electrodes had interconnected pores, which improved the mobility of Li+ ions by allowing homogeneous adsorption of the electrolyte. The specific capacity of the optimal electrode was very high (517 mA h gelectrode -1). Furthermore, considering the weights of the anode, separator, cathode, and electrolyte, the Li/S cell exhibited a high practical energy density of 250 W h kg-1. The areal capacity was also high (8.5 mA h cm-2) owing to the high SPAN loading of 16.37 mg cm-2. After the introduction of 10 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a conducting agent, the SPAN disk electrode exhibited excellent cyclability while maintaining a high energy density. This strategy offers a potential candidate for Li/S batteries with high practical energy densities.